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Matt Sinclair #3
Shallow Grave
When the Oakland coroner’s office uncovers a body buried in a shallow grave in the outskirts of the city, homicide sergeant Matt Sinclair expects to find a drug dealer caught in the crosshairs of a turf war. Instead, the victim is identified as Phil Roberts, the commander of the police department’s intelligence unit and Sinclair’s former partner.
Police brass want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and they want the case closed quickly, but Sinclair and his current partner, Cathy Braddock, aren’t satisfied with that answer. As Sinclair delves into the details of Roberts’s past, secrets from his work and personal life come to the surface--secrets that some people will go to any length to keep buried. But Sinclair won’t stop until he finds the truth, even if it means sacrificing his former partner’s reputation and possibly his own career.
With Shallow Grave, Brian Thiem brings back his beloved detective for a thrilling third adventure in his acclaimed police procedural series.
Police brass want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and they want the case closed quickly, but Sinclair and his current partner, Cathy Braddock, aren’t satisfied with that answer. As Sinclair delves into the details of Roberts’s past, secrets from his work and personal life come to the surface--secrets that some people will go to any length to keep buried. But Sinclair won’t stop until he finds the truth, even if it means sacrificing his former partner’s reputation and possibly his own career.
With Shallow Grave, Brian Thiem brings back his beloved detective for a thrilling third adventure in his acclaimed police procedural series.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2017
17 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Brian Thiem
8 books96 followersBrian Thiem is the author of The Mudflats Murder Club, the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as the Detective Matt Sinclair Mystery series, which includes Red Line, Thrill Kill, and Shallow Grave.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 26, 2017
NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Sergeants Matt Sinclair and his partner, Cathy Braddock, homicide detectives with the Oakland Police Department, are called to the scene of a body found partially buried in a wooded area, they aren’t prepared to learn that it’s their former training officer—and current commander of the intelligence unit—Phil Roberts.
Since so much of what Phil investigated was classified, determining what he was working on when he died is nearly impossible, but Sinclair doesn’t let that stop him. The more they discover, however, the more unsure they are that they ever really knew Phil at all. Risking his career and the reputation of his dead friend and mentor, Sinclair will stop at nothing from finding out the truth about what Phil was up to and who killed him.
This is the third installment in the series, and the author—who was in law enforcement for over 20 years, and who served in the military for almost 30—has certainly found a new career path as a writer. The pacing continues to improve, and by slowly revealing new aspects of Sinclair’s past in each book, he creates a more intriguing, complex, and realistic main character. If he keeps this up, I have no doubt Thiem’s protagonist, Matt Sinclair, will soon represent Northern California law enforcement the way Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch represents Southern California—as a flawed cop who stops at nothing to get justice for the victims of homicide, no matter who they are. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series, and can’t wait for the next exciting installment!
When Sergeants Matt Sinclair and his partner, Cathy Braddock, homicide detectives with the Oakland Police Department, are called to the scene of a body found partially buried in a wooded area, they aren’t prepared to learn that it’s their former training officer—and current commander of the intelligence unit—Phil Roberts.
Since so much of what Phil investigated was classified, determining what he was working on when he died is nearly impossible, but Sinclair doesn’t let that stop him. The more they discover, however, the more unsure they are that they ever really knew Phil at all. Risking his career and the reputation of his dead friend and mentor, Sinclair will stop at nothing from finding out the truth about what Phil was up to and who killed him.
This is the third installment in the series, and the author—who was in law enforcement for over 20 years, and who served in the military for almost 30—has certainly found a new career path as a writer. The pacing continues to improve, and by slowly revealing new aspects of Sinclair’s past in each book, he creates a more intriguing, complex, and realistic main character. If he keeps this up, I have no doubt Thiem’s protagonist, Matt Sinclair, will soon represent Northern California law enforcement the way Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch represents Southern California—as a flawed cop who stops at nothing to get justice for the victims of homicide, no matter who they are. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series, and can’t wait for the next exciting installment!
May 14, 2017
I won this ARC in a GOODREADS giveaway -- Shallow Grave (Matt Sinclair, #3) by Brian Thiem -- This was very good! Even though it is the third in a series, you don't seem to lose anything... There are a lot of writers in this genre but this was one of the better ones! I will have to get the other 2 now!
July 14, 2017
Shallow grave by Brian Thiem.
a body buried in a shallow grave in the outskirts of the city, homicide sergeant Matt Sinclair expects to find a drug dealer caught in the crosshairs of a turf war. Instead, the victim is identified as Phil Roberts, the commander of the police department’s intelligence unit and Sinclair’s former partner.
Police brass want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and they want the case closed quickly, but Sinclair and his current partner, Cathy Braddock, aren’t satisfied with that answer. As Sinclair delves into the details of Roberts’s past, secrets from his work and personal life come to the surface--secrets that some people will go to any length to keep buried. But Sinclair won’t stop until he finds the truth, even if it means sacrificing his former partner’s reputation and possibly his own career.
This was a really good read with good characters. I liked Sinclair. He wouldn't stop til he got the killer. 5*. Netgalley and crooked lane books.
a body buried in a shallow grave in the outskirts of the city, homicide sergeant Matt Sinclair expects to find a drug dealer caught in the crosshairs of a turf war. Instead, the victim is identified as Phil Roberts, the commander of the police department’s intelligence unit and Sinclair’s former partner.
Police brass want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and they want the case closed quickly, but Sinclair and his current partner, Cathy Braddock, aren’t satisfied with that answer. As Sinclair delves into the details of Roberts’s past, secrets from his work and personal life come to the surface--secrets that some people will go to any length to keep buried. But Sinclair won’t stop until he finds the truth, even if it means sacrificing his former partner’s reputation and possibly his own career.
This was a really good read with good characters. I liked Sinclair. He wouldn't stop til he got the killer. 5*. Netgalley and crooked lane books.
June 30, 2017
Matt Sinclair and his partner Cathy Braddock catch the case of a body buried in a shallow grave when the rest of the force is dealing with one motorcycle gang member killing another. They are surprised to learn that the victim is Phil Roberts who is the sergeant of the intel unit. He also trained both Matt and Cathy and was Matt's partner too.
Now the hunt is on for the one who killed a police officer. Matt is determined to find out what happened to the man he had a falling out with a few months earlier. His investigation puts him at odds with the Chief of Police when it looks like a city Councilman who is a leading candidate for mayor might be involved. Matt has gotten in trouble for investigating this councilman before.
Matt finds himself suspended from the force and discovering things that lead him to believe that Roberts might have been a dirty cop. He needs to find out if that is true before the huge police funeral for him.
Matt is an interesting character. He is an alcoholic and has issues with his father that have been unresolved since his childhood. In this story, his father suffers a heart attack and Matt is just going to keep on working until his colleagues almost force him to go support his mother during his father's illness. Matt is also relationship-shy but starting something with a nurse who is a friend of his partner Cathy.
This was a fascinating police procedural. Fans of that genre who like complex characters will enjoy this story.
Now the hunt is on for the one who killed a police officer. Matt is determined to find out what happened to the man he had a falling out with a few months earlier. His investigation puts him at odds with the Chief of Police when it looks like a city Councilman who is a leading candidate for mayor might be involved. Matt has gotten in trouble for investigating this councilman before.
Matt finds himself suspended from the force and discovering things that lead him to believe that Roberts might have been a dirty cop. He needs to find out if that is true before the huge police funeral for him.
Matt is an interesting character. He is an alcoholic and has issues with his father that have been unresolved since his childhood. In this story, his father suffers a heart attack and Matt is just going to keep on working until his colleagues almost force him to go support his mother during his father's illness. Matt is also relationship-shy but starting something with a nurse who is a friend of his partner Cathy.
This was a fascinating police procedural. Fans of that genre who like complex characters will enjoy this story.
May 5, 2017
Thank you to author Brian Thiem and to publisher Crooked Lane for this ARC copy of Shallow Grave. Also, thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity through First Reads.
I really liked it. The first in the Matt Sinclair series that I have read, I found the story well written, involving, and moved right along at a nice pace. The characters were well developed and had a 'real' feel to them.
Here, chapters are nicely spaced, more for a break in the action for the reader than a change of scenery in the story since the current scene continues right into the next. This worked well until I heard "Time to turn out the light." and I had to put the book down.
Nice soft cover jacket and jacket design, with the book title covering a larger part of the front.
This can be read as a standalone, but I can easily suggest that interested readers start from the beginning of this series. A good read.
I really liked it. The first in the Matt Sinclair series that I have read, I found the story well written, involving, and moved right along at a nice pace. The characters were well developed and had a 'real' feel to them.
Here, chapters are nicely spaced, more for a break in the action for the reader than a change of scenery in the story since the current scene continues right into the next. This worked well until I heard "Time to turn out the light." and I had to put the book down.
Nice soft cover jacket and jacket design, with the book title covering a larger part of the front.
This can be read as a standalone, but I can easily suggest that interested readers start from the beginning of this series. A good read.
July 25, 2017
I have read each of Brian's books and have thoroughly enjoyed each one! Brian's background in law enforcement comes through in his writing. The police procedures and terminology are 'spot on'. I am looking forward to his next work!
July 5, 2017
What a well done procedural! Thiem's background shines through in the details of this well written novel. Some might see Matt as the classic tortured detective (he is) but give him a chance and he'll surprise you. His relationship with his partner Cathy is especially well done as they look for the truth behind the murder of his ex-partner Roberts. This one has enough twists and small red herrings to keep you guessing. Thiem makes good use of his Oakland setting, as well as the questions of corruption and exploitation. I'd not read the first two books but I enjoyed this one and will definitely look for more in this series. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Try this one if you enjoy complex and entertaining mysteries.
June 6, 2017
A very well written detective mystery. Shallow Grave has a good plot and well developed characters. This was my first book in this series and I want to go back and read previous books. I enjoyed the author's writing.
I received an arc via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review
I received an arc via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review
July 28, 2017
When the Oakland police find a body buried in a shallow grave in the city's outskirts, homicide sergeant Matt Sinclair is shocked to learn the victim is Phil Roberts, the commander of the police department's intelligence unit and Sinclair's former partner.
Sinclair and his partner, Cathy Braddock, investigate the murder. His bosses want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and close the case quickly, but Sinclair isn't satisfied with that easy scenario. Sinclair looks at Roberts's current cases and finds some clues hinting at a regular meeting with a female companion. Is this signs of an affair, or something worse?
Sinclair is suspended from his duties by disobeying orders but can't stop himself from trying to find Roberts' killer. Sinclair ends up working with a FBI task force and follows a trail to Hilton Head Island to find Roberts' mystery woman. Corruption involving an ambitious Oakland politician and a nasty Russian businessman is key.
The author's experience as a police detective and military officer shows in his writing and adds realism to the plots and characters. This is another excellent entry in the Matt Sinclair detective series.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sinclair and his partner, Cathy Braddock, investigate the murder. His bosses want to pin the murder on a dead member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and close the case quickly, but Sinclair isn't satisfied with that easy scenario. Sinclair looks at Roberts's current cases and finds some clues hinting at a regular meeting with a female companion. Is this signs of an affair, or something worse?
Sinclair is suspended from his duties by disobeying orders but can't stop himself from trying to find Roberts' killer. Sinclair ends up working with a FBI task force and follows a trail to Hilton Head Island to find Roberts' mystery woman. Corruption involving an ambitious Oakland politician and a nasty Russian businessman is key.
The author's experience as a police detective and military officer shows in his writing and adds realism to the plots and characters. This is another excellent entry in the Matt Sinclair detective series.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 15, 2017
Shallow Grave
A Matt Sinclair Mystery
by Brian Thiem
Crooked Lane Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 11 Jul 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Shallow Grave through Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley:
The Oakland Coroners office uncovers a Shallow Grave in the outskirts of the city, homicide detective Matt Sinclair is almost certain he will find a drug dealer who got caught in a turf war. But is shocked to find it is Phil Roberts, the commander of the departments intelligence until ad well as Matt Sinclair’s former partner.
Police Brass feel that it is the member of an outlaw motorcycle gang who murdered Phil Roberts, but Matt and his current partner Cathy Braddock aren’t satisfied that this is the case. As Sinclair and his partner selves into Phil Robert’s past, Secrets from both his work and personal life come to light. Secrets that some will go to any length to keep in the dark, but Sinclair refuses to stop even if it means muddying his former partners name and sabotaging his own career.
Will Sinclair be able to solve the murder of his former partner, and still keep his badge? Find out in Shallow Grave.
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
August 22, 2017
Wow....one of my favorite authors! If you love "who done it's" or police drama. If you like Michael Connelly's "Heronymus Bosch" series, or W.E.B. Griffin's "Badge of Honor-Detective Matt Payne" series...then the new "Matt Sinclair" series is right up your alley.
I first discovered this author through his first novel RED LINE MURDERS. That book grabbed from the very first word and kept me interested and wanting more throughout the entire book.
Then came THRILL KILL, another Matt Sinclair detective story. Again, it grabbed me from the start, making it nearly unbearable to put it down....
Finally, the much anticipated 3rd novel of the series SHALLOW GRAVE. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. With its many twists, exciting confrontations and head scratching mysteries, along with the interpersonal relationships with his partner, Cathy Braddock, his new girlfriend, the police chief and his parents made this another must read.
My only disappointment is that there is no 4th novel yet...I can't wait for Sergeant Matt Sinclair to return with another new murder to solve !!
I first discovered this author through his first novel RED LINE MURDERS. That book grabbed from the very first word and kept me interested and wanting more throughout the entire book.
Then came THRILL KILL, another Matt Sinclair detective story. Again, it grabbed me from the start, making it nearly unbearable to put it down....
Finally, the much anticipated 3rd novel of the series SHALLOW GRAVE. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. With its many twists, exciting confrontations and head scratching mysteries, along with the interpersonal relationships with his partner, Cathy Braddock, his new girlfriend, the police chief and his parents made this another must read.
My only disappointment is that there is no 4th novel yet...I can't wait for Sergeant Matt Sinclair to return with another new murder to solve !!
September 20, 2025
Great book, great series. I read this series after reading book 1 of the Mudflats Murder Club mysteries series. It was also a great book and lots of fun.
Matt Sinclair and Braddock are investigating the murder of their former homicide detective partner. He had move up the ranks and now was murdered. Sinclair gets in all kinds of trouble while Braddock keeps the investigation going and tries to keep Matt out of trouble.
Looking forward to more books from Brian Thiem. I think more Mudflats Murder club books are in the works which I am very happy about.
Matt Sinclair and Braddock are investigating the murder of their former homicide detective partner. He had move up the ranks and now was murdered. Sinclair gets in all kinds of trouble while Braddock keeps the investigation going and tries to keep Matt out of trouble.
Looking forward to more books from Brian Thiem. I think more Mudflats Murder club books are in the works which I am very happy about.
April 24, 2021
I like that the characters are all fully formed. They each have their own foibles and pecadillos. Rooting for the good guy's and waiting and hoping the bad guy's get what's coming to them. With a little action thrown in for good measure. And best yet, knowing their is another book to look forward too !
July 31, 2017
This is my first read by this author and I will definitely read more of his books. Matt Sinclair is a great lead character, flawed and determined. A very well written police procedural, set in Oakland, with great characters and excellent plot. Thank you to Net Galley for my copy.
October 7, 2017
Sometimes I forget the difference between plain 'mystery' and 'police procedure'. This book is definitely the 2nd. And it took a long time to get my interest, like the 20th chapter. I probably never really got hooked on this story, don't much like the writing style, but it did grow on me.
March 11, 2018
Matt Sinclair gets it done again!
The Matt Sinclair saga continues, fighting for truth and justice in Oakland. Matt grabs onto a case "like a pit bull" and doesn't let go. This novel, like his previous 3 have grabbed my attention and I found it difficult to put down.
The Matt Sinclair saga continues, fighting for truth and justice in Oakland. Matt grabs onto a case "like a pit bull" and doesn't let go. This novel, like his previous 3 have grabbed my attention and I found it difficult to put down.
September 5, 2017
Good book, great commute read, enjoyed the characters, twist at the ending I didn't see coming.
February 8, 2020
Gripping. Couldn't put it down.
January 26, 2021
Can't wait for his next book
September 1, 2017
Loved the story and all the drama that goes with this character. It's a fun read for sure.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews